All About Allergy All About Allergy Many symptomatic conditions of allergy require clinical care by a physician or other health care professional. Listed in the directory below are some of the conditions that result from allergic reactions, for which we have provided a brief overview. Allergy Overview Allergies and the Immune System IgG Deficiencies Pemphigus Vulgaris Allergens: Triggers of Allergy Attacks Animals Chemical Sensitivity Dust and Dust Mites Foods Egg Allergy Diet Diet for Lactose Intolerance Milk Allergy Di...

All About Asthma All About Asthma Many symptomatic conditions of asthma require clinical care by a physician or other health care professional. Listed in the directory below are some of the conditions that result from allergic reactions, for which we have provided a brief overview. Asthma Overview Asthma and Pregnancy Asthma and Children Asthma and Exercise Occupational Asthma Peak Flow Meter Asthma Knowledge Quiz

Allergen: Insect Stings Allergen: Insect Stings The insects that sting Insects that are members of the Hymenoptera family most commonly cause allergic reactions. These include: Bees Wasps Hornets Yellow jackets Fire ants Allergic reactions to insect stings The reactions are usually at the site of the sting, with redness, swelling, pain and itching. Generally, the reaction lasts only a few hours, although some may last longer. For some people, allergic reactions to insect stings can be life-threatening. The reaction is called a...

Allergens: Animals Allergens: Animals What is an animal allergen? Allergens found in animals are a common cause of allergic reactions. They are caused by the protein found in an animal's: Skin Dander Saliva Urine Hair Household pets, like cats and dogs, are the most common sources of animal allergens.

Allergens: Chemical Sensitivity Allergens: Chemical Sensitivity What is chemical sensitivity? Chemical sensitivity is not considered an allergic reaction because it does not involve the release of IgE (immunoglobin E) antibodies, histamine, or other chemicals by the immune system. However, reactions to certain chemicals may cause reactions similar to those experienced with allergies. Chemicals that cause sensitivity may include synthetic and natural substances found in: Carpeting Plastics Perfumes Plants Paint Cigarette smoke Poorly v...

Allergens: Dust and Dust Mites Allergens: Dust and Dust Mites What are dust allergens? Dust allergens are substances found in dust, and may include: Fabric fibers Lint Feathers Stuffing materials Animal protein (dander, saliva, urine, and body oils) Bacteria Mold and fungus spores Food particles Plants Insects and their waste What is a dust mite allergen? Dust mites are microscopic organisms that can live and thrive throughout homes and businesses. The mites and their waste products thrive in: Draperies Stuffed animals Bedding Uphols...

Allergens: Poison Ivy/Poison Oak/Poison Sumac Allergens: Poison Ivy/Poison Oak/Poison Sumac What are poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac? Poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac are native American plants. These plants cause an allergic reaction in most people who are exposed to them. To be allergic to poison ivy, you must come in contact with the plant once for sensitization to the oils to happen. This means that next time contact with the plant happens, a reaction may happen 24 to 72 hours after exposure. An allergic reaction can’t be sprea...

Allergens: Pollen Allergens: Pollen What is pollen? Pollen is the tiny egg-shaped male cells of flowering plants, including trees, grasses, and weeds. Pollen is microscopic in size. It is the most common cause of seasonal allergic rhinitis, sometimes known as hay fever. Which plants produce pollen that cause allergic reactions? Plants that have powdery granules of pollen that are easily blown by the wind, such as: Trees , such as oak, western red cedar, elm, birch, ash, hickory, poplar, sycamore, maple, cypress, walnut, ...

Allergies and the Immune System Allergies and the Immune System Allergic disease is one of the most common chronic health conditions in the world. People with a family history of allergies have an increase risk of developing allergic disease. Hay fever (allergic rhinitis), eczema, hives, asthma, and food allergy are some types of allergic diseases. Allergy symptoms can range from mild to a serious, life-threatening allergic reaction (anaphylaxis). Allergic reactions begin in your immune system. When a harmless substance such as dust, ...

Allergy Overview Allergy Overview What are allergies? Allergies are problems of the immune system. Most allergic reactions happen when the immune system reacts to a “false alarm.” Normally, the human body defends itself against harmful things, such as viruses or bacteria. But sometimes the defenses violently attack mostly mild things, such as dust, mold, or pollen. The immune system makes large amounts of the antibodies called immunoglobin E (IgE). This is a complex chemical weapon that attacks and kills the “enemy.” Ea...

Asthma and Exercise Asthma and Exercise Asthma is a long-term condition causing swelling and narrowing of the airways. The muscles around the airways tighten and extra mucus is produced. These changes make it more difficult to move air in and out of the lungs. Triggers are things that cause asthma flare-ups and worsen symptoms. Triggers may be dust, pollen, pets, infections, cold weather, smoke, air pollution, and exercise. Exercise is a common trigger for many people with asthma. For some, exercise, and other things, caus...

Asthma and Pregnancy Asthma and Pregnancy Having asthma does not necessarily mean having a complicated pregnancy. With proper management of asthma and appropriate medical care during the pregnancy, most women who have asthma can experience healthy pregnancies. Asthma is 1 of the most common diseases that can complicate a pregnancy. In some cases, a diagnosis of asthma is not made until a woman becomes pregnant. Asthma affects a woman during pregnancy in a variety of ways, including: Over one-third of women experience no cha...

Atopic Dermatitis Atopic Dermatitis What is atopic dermatitis? Atopic dermatitis is a chronic skin disorder. It causes dry, itchy, scaly patches on the skin, often on the face and scalp in babies. It’s most common in infants or very young children. Most will show signs of the condition in the first year of life. Symptoms may last until the teens or adulthood. It rarely starts in adulthood. Atopic dermatitis is not contagious. Atopic dermatitis tends to run in families. This suggests a genetic link. It’s also associated w...

Contact Dermatitis Contact Dermatitis What is contact dermatitis? Contact dermatitis is a reaction that happens after your skin comes in contact with certain substances. Skin irritants cause most contact dermatitis reactions. Other cases are caused by allergens, which trigger an allergic response. The reaction may not start until 24 to 48 hours after exposure. Contact dermatitis, caused by an irritant that is not an allergic response, happens from direct contact with the irritant. Allergic contact dermatitis most commonly...

Diagnostic Tests for Allergies Diagnostic Tests for Allergies The most common tests for allergy are: IgE (immunoglobulin E) skin tests. These are the most common allergy tests. Skin tests for allergies measure IgE antibodies to specific allergens. A small amount of allergen is applied to the skin. The area is pricked or scratched. If a person is allergic to the allergen, a reaction happens. A small raised bump that looks like a mosquito bite appears. Testing for many allergens may be done at the same time. An allergist may also test ...

Diet for Lactose Intolerance Diet for Lactose Intolerance What is lactose intolerance? Lactose is the name of the sugar found in milk. Lactose intolerance occurs when your body can’t break down all of the lactose in the foods you eat. Symptoms of lactose intolerance include: Diarrhea Gas Bloating Stomach pain Stomach cramps What foods contain lactose? Lactose is found in dairy products such as: Milk Cheese Yogurt Ice cream Sherbet Items on a food label that contain lactose: Milk Milk solids Skim milk powder Cream Buttermilk Malted ...

Egg Allergy Diet Egg Allergy Diet General guidelines for egg allergy The key to an allergy-free diet is to avoid foods or products containing the food to which you are allergic. Eggs are a commonly used food that may cause food sensitivity reactions. It isn't difficult to eliminate eggs, but may be challenging to avoid food products that contain eggs. To avoid these foods, it is necessary to read food labels. Foods Allowed Not allowed Breads & starches Plain enriched white, whole wheat, rye bread, or buns without eg...

Food Allergy Food Allergy What is a food allergy? A food allergy is when your immune system has a bad reaction to a certain food. This is different from a food intolerance, which does not affect the immune system. This is true even though some of the same signs may be present. What causes a food allergy? Before having a food allergy reaction, a sensitive person must have eaten the food at least once before. It is the second time the person eats the food that the allergic symptoms happen. At that time, when Immunoglo...

Home Page - Allergy and Asthma Topic Index All About Asthma All About Allergy Allergy and asthma are among the most common health problems. Use the links above to find out more about these topics.

IgG Deficiencies IgG Deficiencies What are IgG deficiencies? An IgG deficiency is a health problem in which your body doesn’t make enough Immunoglobulin G (IgG). People with IgG deficiency are more likely to get infections. When your body feels it is under attack, it makes special proteins called immunoglobulins or antibodies. These antibodies are made by the plasma cells. They are let loose throughout the body to help kill bacteria, viruses, and other germs. The body makes 5 major types of immunoglobulins: Immunoglobul...

Latex Allergy Latex Allergy What is a latex allergy? Natural rubber latex is a milky fluid found in rubber trees. There is a protein in the fluid that can cause allergic reactions in some people. Some gloves, condoms, balloons, rubber bands, erasers, and toys are made using this natural rubber latex. Reactions to latex products happen when it comes in contact with the person's skin, mucous membranes (like the nostrils, mouth, or rectum), or the bloodstream (during surgery). For example, some people may react when blo...

Milk Allergy Diet Milk Allergy Diet General guidelines for milk allergy The key to an allergy-free diet is to avoid foods or products containing the food to which you are allergic. The items that you are allergic to are called allergens. Milk allergy is most common among infants and young children. Obvious forms of milk are cream, cheese, butter, ice cream, and yogurt. Milk and milk products may also be used as ingredients in many other foods. To avoid foods that contain milk and milk products, it is necessary to read fo...

Online Resources - Allergy and Asthma Online Resources - Allergy and Asthma This Web was compiled from a variety of sources including the online resources listed below, but is not intended to substitute or replace the professional medical advice you receive from your health care provider. The content provided here is for informational purposes only, and was not designed to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease. Please consult your health care provider with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your condition. This page co...

Peak Flow Meter Peak Flow Meter What is a peak flow meter? A peak flow meter is a device used to measure how well your asthma is under control. The device measures air flow out of the lungs (peak expiratory flow rate or PEFR), as you blow into it. A peak flow meter, when used properly, can show narrowing of the airways before you have symptoms. Peak flow readings can help determine: When to seek emergency medical care How well your asthma management and treatment plan are working When to stop or add medicine, as direct...

Peanut Allergy Diet Peanut Allergy Diet General guidelines for peanut allergy The key to an allergy-free diet is to avoid all foods or products containing the food to which you are allergic. If you are allergic to peanuts, you will need to avoid peanuts and foods that contain peanuts. It is necessary to read all food labels. How to read a label for a peanut-free diet In addition to peanuts, avoid foods that contain any of the following ingredients: Artificial nuts ( Nu-Nuts ) Beer nuts Ground nuts Mixed nuts Monkey nuts Pe...

Pemphigus Vulgaris Pemphigus Vulgaris What is pemphigus vulgaris? Pemphigus is a rare group of autoimmune diseases. It causes blisters on the skin and mucous membranes throughout the body. It can affect the mouth, nose, throat, eyes, and genitals. Pemphigus vulgaris is the most common type of pemphigus. What causes pemphigus vulgaris? Pemphigus vulgaris is not fully understood. Experts believe that it’s triggered when a person who has a genetic tendency to get this condition comes into contact with an environmental trigge...

Rhinitis Rhinitis What is rhinitis? Rhinitis is when a reaction occurs that causes nasal congestion, runny nose, sneezing, and itching. Most types of rhinitis are caused by an inflammation and are associated with symptoms in the eyes, ears, or throat. There are several types of rhinitis. The most common are acute rhinitis, which is usually caused by a viral illness, allergic or seasonal rhinitis, and nonallergic or year-round rhinitis. Allergic rhinitis is caused when allergens in the air trigger the release of ...

Shellfish Allergy Diet Shellfish Allergy Diet General guidelines for shellfish allergy The key to an allergy-free diet is to avoid all foods or products containing the food to which you are allergic. If you are allergic to shellfish, you will need to avoid foods that contain shellfish. To do this, it is necessary to read food labels. How to read a label for a shellfish-free diet Be sure to avoid foods that contain any of the following ingredients: Abalone Clams, such as cherrystone, littleneck, pismo, and quahog Crab Crawfish...

Soy Allergy Diet Soy Allergy Diet General guidelines for soy allergy The key to an allergy-free diet is to avoid all foods or products containing the food to which you are allergic. A soy allergy is an abnormal response of the body to the proteins found in soy. Soybeans are classified as a legume. Other foods in the legume family are navy, kidney, string, black and pinto beans, chickpeas (garbanzo beans), lentils, carob, licorice, and peanuts. Sensitivity to one legume can often be in association with sensitivity to ano...

Symptomatic Conditions of Allergy Symptomatic Conditions of Allergy Many symptomatic conditions of allergy require clinical care by a physician or other health care professional. Listed in the directory below are some of the conditions that result from allergic reactions, for which we have provided a brief overview. Asthma Atopic Dermatitis (Eczema) Contact Dermatitis Rhinitis Urticaria / Hives

Treatment for Allergy Treatment for Allergy How are allergies treated? Your healthcare provider will figure out the best treatment based on: How old you are Your overall health and medical history How sick you are How well you can handle specific medicines, procedures, or therapies Your opinion or preference The most effective ways to treat allergies are avoidance, allergy immunotherapy, and medicine. What is avoidance? Avoidance is staying away from a substance (allergens) that causes an allergic reaction. Wash out your nos...

Tree Nut Allergy Diet Tree Nut Allergy Diet General guidelines for tree nut allergy The key to an allergy-free diet is to avoid all foods or products containing the food to which you are allergic. If you have an allergy to tree nuts, you will need to avoid foods that contain tree nuts. To prevent allergic reactions, it is necessary to read food labels. How to read a label for a tree nut-free diet Be sure to avoid foods the following nuts and other foods: Almonds Beechnuts Brazil nuts Butternuts Caponata (seafood salad with p...

Urticaria/Hives Urticaria/Hives What is urticaria? Urticaria, or hives, is a condition in which red, itchy, raised areas appear on the skin. Urticaria may last for a short or long time. If it lasts for a short time, the cause is usually an allergic reaction from eating certain foods or taking certain medicines. When urticaria is long-term, the cause is often unknown. Hives vary in size and may come and go. Hives can affect most of the body or just a small area. What foods commonly cause hives? Hives are a common reacti...

Wheat Allergy Diet Wheat Allergy Diet General guidelines for wheat allergy The key to an allergy-free diet is to avoid all foods or products containing the food to which you are allergic. Wheat is found in many foods. To avoid foods that contain wheat, you should read food labels. Foods Allowed Not allowed Beverages Coffee, tea, fruit juices, decaffeinated coffee, carbonated beverages, all milks, cocoa Cereal beverages, coffee substitutes Beverages made from wheat products: beer, ale, root beer Instant chocolate drink mix...

Your Child's Asthma Your Child's Asthma What causes childhood asthma? Researchers continue to learn what causes asthma. It is not entirely understood. The following things play a part: Genetics. Asthma runs in families. Allergies. Some allergies are more common in people with asthma. And, allergies also tend to run in families. Respiratory infections. Infants and young children who have some respiratory infections are more likely to have long-term lung problems. Environmental factors. Irritants, like pollution and allergen...